The field hockey team is suffering from its longest losing streak in two seasons, but head coach Annette Payne isn't panicking.
Her team is improving, and that's what matters, she said.
"I don't know that there is a reason (for the losing streak)," Payne said. "Overall, if you'd ask me if I've been pleased with the way the team has progressed throughout the last four games, I'd say yes."
Competition might have caused the losses. Three of the Cardinals' opponents during the skid are ranked in the top 25. The fourth, Temple, is ranked No. 30.
"We've played well against some pretty tough opponents the last four games," Payne said.
The team will get a break in its tough schedule when it goes to Miami today to open up its Mid-American Conference schedule. The RedHawks are 1-5 this season and have given up 26 goals against five goals scored.
Ball State has had success against Miami since the two began their series in 1976. The Cardinals hold a 36-6 edge in the all-time series, including winning 15 of 19 in Oxford, Ohio.
After Miami, the Cardinals head to No. 14 Louisville (4-3), another MAC school, on Saturday. Ball State beat Louisville twice last year when it ranked in the top 10. Because of the loss, Payne said, Louisville will want to win, but so will all MAC teams, she added.
"When you enter the MAC, every team's just as hungry (as the next)," Payne said. "Louisville's going to be a good competitor. It's going to be a good game and a good match."
Payne said the Cardinals need to win this weekend, not just to end the losing streak, but also because it is their first conference game.
"It's real important (to start the MAC season with a victory), not only for the purpose of success, but for momentum," Payne said.
To earn victories, Payne's team must be aggressive and, most importantly, score goals, she said.
"We need to start and finish plays," Payne said. "The huge factor is going to be how well we finish."
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